Spotlight: 20/20 Vision

Jim Clayton, Quill Reporter

Jonathan Swift once said, "Vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others." Having vision and talking about vision and attending seminars on vision has become quite the rage over the last several years. Books have been written and movies have been made concerning the topic.

Vision is what it took late last summer when Delbert Kreps purchased the former Faith Christian Family Church North (known by many as Abundant Life Church) he knew he was getting one of the best kept secrets in La Harpe, maybe even the county.

"That is exactly what I thought, and I wanted to make it less of a secret," said Kreps.

"The main room here was ready to go as it was and as soon as I saw it I knew it was the best kept secret. There are so many things that we can and want to do here, that I think this could keep me as busy as the store." (Kreps also owns R&D Grocery)

The building, now called The Annex, has been seeing a lot of use, especially over the holidays.

"We have converted several rooms into dining rooms so we could keep up with all the dinners over the holidays," added Kreps.

"But we don't want to limit the use to holiday events. We want people here for birthdays, graduations, weddings, and anything else that a large hall can be used for."

Kreps has renovated a portion of the building into an apartment and has plans for future renovations as well.

"We are in the process of equipping a weight room/exercise facility. It is in use now and I would like to see that expand too. I would like to have different groups take advantage of the work out area.

"It would be great for women's groups, high school athletes or anyone who simply doesn't want to drive to Macomb or Burlington, IA to find a good facility," Kreps pointed out.

Kreps has many ideas in the works for his new endeavor and is looking forward to being able to expand even further.

He has scheduled a Valentine dinner and dance to be held on Valentine's Day this year, open to the public and it's an opportunity for the community to see what they have been missing.

"We have wanted to do something like this and are excited to get the word out about The Annex," said Kreps.

"My hope is that there will be many such events in the future."

As plans for the property continue and ideas continue to come, the people of La Harpe are invited to come and look around to see what has been done in order to provide them with a quality facility.

"I welcome anyone to come and look around. As long as there is not an event going on, I would be happy to show people around," continued Kreps.

Everything Kreps has done and is intending to do requires vision. He had to see it, before he could produce it. As a result, we get to enjoy the fruits of his pioneering spirit right here in La Harpe.